Should i buy it?

[zurichdo]

I have only 1 suggestion. The 50mm f/1.4 is a good lens. BBB!

:bsmilie: BBB

I am seriously considering adding this 50 f1.4 also. Even though there is question about the motor mechanism, I simply cannot ignore the excellent output it can produce. That to me is more important. It serves as a really good lightweight travel lens.

Maybe TS should get a brand new one, use for 1 year, then send to CSC and complain that the motor got problem and get them to change it just before warranty ends :think:

 

[trd2970]

TS can consider the 35 f2.0 instead to supplement his 2 lens set-up. It is light & compact enough (almost as light & compact as 50 f1.8). U can still achieve decent background blur when shooting wide open at F2.0.

 

[trd2970]

to add, i think bringing a 'portrait' lens is really a good idea for travel
a) travel photography need not be always landscape shots, it's nice to shoot portraits of your family members (e.g. parents, siblings, kids)
b) low light photography - lots of opportunities for night photography, or indoor shots (hallways, historical buildings etc.)

i myself swear by the 35 f2.0, which i mount on my 5d2 and just walk around all day/night. it's a really versatile lens.

 

[zurichdo]

to add, i think bringing a 'portrait' lens is really a good idea for travel
a) travel photography need not be always landscape shots, it's nice to shoot portraits of your family members (e.g. parents, siblings, kids)
b) low light photography - lots of opportunities for night photography, or indoor shots (hallways, historical buildings etc.)

i myself swear by the 35 f2.0, which i mount on my 5d2 and just walk around all day/night. it's a really versatile lens.

:thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[wisecrack]

according to my experience, not necessary, but again it's your own decision.

 

[Melanmo]

How about trying 85mm-1.8 ? Price is same as 50mm 1.4 and good for outdoor shooting. See the amazing pictures here.

http://www.pbase.com/piet01/image/131511101

 

[Anglk]

I wont debate you on the merits on buying that lens for overseas travel the fact is a question was posed "should i buy it?"

a simple no answer followed by a reason would have sufficed there was no need for the sarcastic and condescending tone of the reply

is it just me or does anyone else notice that a lot people here get off by putting people down.. its like they purposely look for newbie threads and instead of giving positive feedback or suggestions they post something like why dont you "google it" or "call nikon" just to drill the guy and make him look stupid...

just my 2 cents...

agreed.:thumbsup:

 

[tecnica]

woah, now we even need permission to post in a specific thread?

freedom of speech anyone?

back to topic, TS if you need to ask, you really dont need to buy it now. primes are not like zooms which you can change the focal length to suit the shooting environment. you really have to be comfy with the fixed focal length before you even consider to buy the 50mm. nevertheless, it is a good lens but i prefer to put my money elsewhere.

for you, you have to decide for yourself~

 

[aha8]

to add, i think bringing a 'portrait' lens is really a good idea for travel
a) travel photography need not be always landscape shots, it's nice to shoot portraits of your family members (e.g. parents, siblings, kids)
b) low light photography - lots of opportunities for night photography, or indoor shots (hallways, historical buildings etc.)

i myself swear by the 35 f2.0, which i mount on my 5d2 and just walk around all day/night. it's a really versatile lens.

-------------
I agree on the benefit (b), is very practical for indoor, like now is winter in Europe, fair share of indoor and early evening photo.
For travel, I will prefer less bkgground blur to at least tell where the photo was shot, also on the move getting that precise focus with f/1.4 can be challenging for photographer and irritates subject.

I also second fast 35mm or wider like 30mm or 24mm on APS-C.

Happy holiday and shooting

 

[tcnk]

Thanks all for giving suggestions and after reading my head got even bigger. Think i should just buy it, shoot it and decide to bring it along the trip. Thanks again

 

[djanco]

Thanks all for giving suggestions and after reading my head got even bigger. Think i should just buy it, shoot it and decide to bring it along the trip. Thanks again

Haha agree! Buy first, ask later.. primes are always well loved.. I'm sure the 50mm will impress u on low DOF shots.. It weighs light also so won't really add much weight to ur traveling bag..

 

[tesign2]

If I were you I would prefer to travel light.
10-22mm + 50mm is a good combo. But it boils down to your shooting preference too.

If u have the budget...do buy it. Its more useful in many ways than what you may think it's for..for this trip.

Have a great holiday and watch your gears.

 

[Kenneth67C]

Have a great holiday and watch your gears.

Good advice! :thumbsup:

 

[daniel-sg]

i always love a fast 35/50mm for shooting night scapes w/o flash. What i would do is just bring 10-22 and 50mm 1.4, but thats how i shoot, cause i know i'll only mount the wide angle during the day, and the prime at night.

Hope this helps

 

[cancan7]

I'd say the 30 1.4 is a more useful focal length for shooting at night. It's a lot wider than 50mm and you can include people and some of the environment in the picture. The crop equivalent of 46mm is close to the standard 50mm that many street photogs use.

The 50mm is a bit too tight, but if you like the focal length, then go ahead!

I've used both for shooting on the streets and neither is a bad option

 

[Kenneth67C]

Thanks all for giving suggestions and after reading my head got even bigger. Think i should just buy it, shoot it and decide to bring it along the trip. Thanks again

You should still seriously consider getting a travel tripod. However steady your hands are, during winter its cold and that will induce camera shake. Speaking from experience.